Portable, adjustable protective case for electronic devices and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A case for an electronic device, for example a tablet computer. The case includes a body for holding the electronic device, a frontal opening for accessing a screen of the electronic device, a flap for covering the opening in a first position and for engaging a support member coupled to a back of the body in a second position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/352,682, filed Jun. 8, 2010, entitled “Carrier Case,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/373,744, filed Aug. 13, 2010, entitled “Portable, Adjustable Protective Case for Electronic Devices and Methods of Use Thereof,” the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cases for electronic devices, and more particularly relates to an adjustable protective case for an electronic device.

Portable electronic devices have become very popular and ubiquitous in many different areas of the world and among many different groups of people. Examples of popular portable electronic devices include laptop computers. handheld computers (i.e., iPAD® and Kindle®), portable DVD and CD players and portable gaming devices. These electronic devices contain many different electrical components which may easily be damaged by environmental factors and therefore must be protected adequately. As a result, electronic devices are almost always housed in hard casings.

Technology associated with portable electronic devices has rapidly evolved in at least one important way—miniaturization and downsizing. Modern portable electronic devices have become increasingly smaller and sleeker with little or no compromise in performance. Flat screen monitors and sleek portable electronic devices are becoming the norm. At least one disadvantage associated with this otherwise positive technological advancement is that the device may not be configured to use in a comfortable hands-free manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention provides a case for a tablet computer, comprising: a body formed of a back surface panel, a peripheral framing front surface panel defining an opening, and side panels connecting margins of the back surface panel and the front surface panel; a flap coupled by a pliable web to a bottom of the body, the flap being sized to generally cover the front surface panel, the flap moveable from a position covering the front surface panel to a position towards a rear of the body; and a supporting member pivotably connected to the back surface panel.

In another aspect the invention provides a case for an electronic device, comprising: a back surface panel; a peripheral-framing front surface panel; a plurality of side members connecting a periphery of the front surface panel to a periphery of the back surface panel; and at least two supporting members foldably attached to the back surface panel, a first supporting member attached to an edge of the back surface panel, a second supporting member attached to a midline of the back surface panel.

In another aspect the invention provides a case for a tablet computer, comprising: a body with front opening for providing access to a touchscreen of a tablet computer; a support member pivotably connected to a back of the body; and means, coupled about a bottom of the body, for covering the front opening and for providing a support surface for engaging the support member.

These and other aspects of the invention are more fully comprehended considering the discussion herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a case for an electronic device in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective back view of the case of FIG. 1 in a stored state.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener of one supporting member engaged with a securing track of another supporting member for a case such as the case of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a case such as the case of FIG. 1 with an electronic device therein in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a case such as the case of FIG. 1 in a variety of positions in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device partially slidably engaged within a case in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a case such as the case of FIG. 1 secured to a seat in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further case in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a case in the form of the case of FIG. 9 with a supporting member maintaining a body of the case in a raised position.

FIG. 11 illustrates the case of FIG. 10 in a variety of positions in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of the case of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates the case of FIG. 10 held by the securing strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to portable, adjustable protective cases for electronic devices and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the protective case comprises a back surface panel and a peripheral-framed front surface panel having a plurality of side members connecting to an inner periphery of the back surface panel. In addition to an opening defined by the peripheral-framed front surface, the protective case may have one or more openings (or apertures) along the plurality of side members. In some embodiments, one or more supporting members may be foldably attached to the back surface panel. In some embodiments, one or more strap members may be secured to or about the back surface panel.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable, adjustable protective case for an electronic device in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the protective case 100 includes a back surface panel 102 and a peripheral-framing front surface panel 104 connected to an inner periphery of the back surface panel 102 by a plurality of side members 106. The protective case 100 may be rectangular in configuration; however, various embodiments may have other suitable configurations. In any embodiment, the configuration of the protective case should be sized to accommodate a corresponding electronic device. Materials comprising the protective case 100 include in various embodiments any suitable rigid/semi-rigid material having a degree of pliability. In one embodiment, the material is leather.

As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral-framed front surface panel 104 defines an opening 108. In some embodiments, the opening 108 corresponds to a viewing screen of an electronic device (not shown). That is, when an electronic device is housed within the protective case 100, the peripheral-framed front surface panel 104 functions to frame the screen of the electronic device. This allows a user to access the screen of the electronic device when the electronic case is housed within the protective case 100 in the case of touch-screen electronic devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of side members 106 may have one or more apertures 110 at various locations. In some embodiments, the apertures 110 correspond to one or more buttons, controls and/or ports of the corresponding electronic device. In an embodiment in which the protective case 100 is approximately rectangular in configuration, at least one “side” of the protective case 100 may be substantially or completely open, i.e., may be completely void of a side member 106 (not shown). In this respect, an electronic device may slide into protective case 100.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, at least two supporting members 112 are shown in use in supporting the protective case 100 in an upright or substantially upright position. In the context of this application, “upright” means that the protective case 100 is angled at ninety (90) degrees or less relative to a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, a supporting member 112 a may be foldably attached to at least one edge of the back surface panel 102 and may be approximately the same size and/or configuration of the back surface panel 102. The supporting member 112 a may be adapted to configure from a collapsed state to an expanded state (explained in more detail below). As shown in FIG. 1, the supporting member is substantially planar, and is shown in a position such that the supporting member 112 a defines a plane intersecting a plane defined by the back surface panel about the edge of the back surface panel, with the two planes being at about 45° to one another. In one embodiment, an inner-facing surface of the supporting member 112 a includes one or more securing tracks 114, preferably adjacent one or more edges defining the supporting member 112 a.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, a supporting member 112 b may be foldably attached to a midline of the back surface panel 102 and may be approximately one-half the size and/or configuration of the back surface panel 102. Preferably the midline is substantially parallel to the edge of the back surface panel to which the supporting member 112 a is attached. The supporting member 112 b may be adapted to configure from a collapsed state to various expanded states (explained in more detail below). As shown in FIG. 1, a distal edge of the supporting member 112 b rests on the supporting member 112 a. In most embodiments the supporting member 112 a may be positioned on a supporting surface, for example a horizontal surface, and, with the supporting member 112 b positioned as in FIG. 1, the supporting member 112 b may support an electronic device within the protective case in an angled elevated fashion. Preferably the supporting member 112 b is sufficiently rigid to so support the electronic device. The supporting member 112 b may be sufficiently rigid, for example, by way of utilizing a rigid material for the supporting member 112 b or by incorporating a rigid material, for example a rigid plastic, in a casing defining the supporting member 112 b. In one embodiment, one or more corners of the supporting member 112 b include one or more fasteners 116.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the portable, adjustable protective case for an electronic device of FIG. 1 in an expanded state, with the supporting member 112 b shown in phantom for ease of viewing. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the securing tracks 114 extend generally along a length of opposing margins of the supporting member 112 a. As the fasteners 116 engage with the securing strips 114, the fasteners allow for securing the supporting member 112 b to the supporting member 112 a at any position along the securing tracks. In addition to the components and/or features described with respect to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows two strap members 118 in a stored state. Materials comprising the strap members 118 include any suitable elastic, stretchable material. In one embodiment, the material is VELSTRETCH® brand loop tape. In the stored state, the strap members 118 are folded into one another and lay flat or substantially flat against the back surface panel 102. In a first usable state, the strap members 118 may be used to secure the protective case 100 to a vertically-oriented object, e.g., a headrest of a car seat (not shown). In a second usable state. the strap members 118 may be used to secure the protective case 100 itself (not shown).

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective back view of the portable, adjustable protective case for an electronic device of FIG. 1 in a collapsed (or stored) state. As may be seen in FIG. 3, the supporting member 112 b positioned flat against the back surface panel. The supporting member 112 a is not visible, as the supporting member has been folded, or wrapped, to cover the opening 108 of the front panel.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fastener 116 of a supporting member 112 b engaged to a securing track 114 of a supporting member 112 a according to an embodiment of the invention. The fastener 116, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, comprises small hooks attached about a corner of a distal edge of the supporting member 112 b. The securing track 114 comprises small loops, generally along a margin of the supporting member 112 a. The hooks securely engage the loops, holding the supporting member 112 b in position with respect to the supporting member 112 a.

FIG. 5 illustrates a protective case having an electronic device slidably engaged therein with strap members 118 securing the supporting member 112 a over the opening 108 (not shown) of the front surface panel. The strap members bind the supporting member 112 a against the front surface panel, thereby maintaining position of the supporting member 112 a to protect a front of the electronic device normally exposed by the opening 108.

FIG. 6 illustrates side views of the portable, adjustable protective case for an electronic device of FIG. 1 in various expanded states. According to embodiments of the invention, the supporting members 112 a, 112 b may function as follows. In a collapsed state, supporting member 112 b may fold flat against the back surface panel 102 while, in some embodiments, supporting member 112 a may also fold flat against the back surface panel 102 thereby covering the supporting member 112 b and partially, substantially or completely covering the back surface panel 102. In many embodiments and as discussed with respect to FIG. 3, the supporting member 112 a is folded to the front of the case so as to cover the opening 108. In various expanded states, as shown in FIG. 6, supporting member 112 b may fold flat or substantially flat against a horizontal surface while supporting member 112 a may be adjusted to any angle from ninety (90) degrees or less relative to the horizontal surface. In this manner, the protective case (preferably having an electronic device therein) may be situated to any suitable “upright” position by the user. Advantageously, the fasteners 116 are configured to reversibly secure to any area on the securing tracks 114 so that the user may adjust the protective case 100 to any suitable “upright” position according to the user's preference.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device 122 partially slidably engaged within the protective case according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic device is in the form of a tablet computer, with a touchscreen of the tablet accessible by way of an opening in a front surface panel of the protective case.

FIG. 8 illustrates a protective case having an electronic device 122 slidably engaged therein mounted on the back of a car seat 124 by the securing straps 118 according to an embodiment of the invention. In various embodiments the securing straps are of an elastic material, and maintain position of the protective case, and the electronic device therein, with respect to the car seat by way of friction.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a further protective case in accordance with aspects of the invention. As with the protective case of FIG. 1, the protective case of FIGS. 9-13 includes a substantially rectangular back surface panel 902 and a substantially rectangular peripheral framing front surface panel (not shown), connected along their margins by a plurality of side panels 906. The peripheral framing front surface panel frames a front central opening in the case, allowing for viewing and access to a front surface of an electronic device 922 within the case, for example a tablet computer. The side panels include a variety of apertures, preferably in locations allowing for connections to the electronic case.

A front cover flap 912 a is connected by a pliable web to one of the side panels, with for convenience the side panel being termed a bottom side panel. The front cover panel is substantially rectangular in shape, and sized to generally cover the peripheral framing front surface panel. The web provides for increased ease in positioning the flap either forward, to cover the front surface panel, or rearward, to provide a support surface. In various embodiments the pliable web is coupled to a bottom of the back surface panel, a bottom of the front surface panel, or, perhaps more commonly, in a seam coupling the bottom side panel to either the front surface panel or the back surface panel.

One side of the front cover flap includes at least one securing track, with the embodiment of FIGS. 9-13 including two securing tracks 914. The two securing tracks in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-13 are about opposing margins of one surface of the flap, with the securing tracks extending away from the web connecting the flap to the body of the case. As shown in FIG. 9, the securing tracks are on the side of the flap that faces the back panel of the case.

When the flap is positioned over the front surface panel the securing tracks face outward from the body of the case. An elastic securing strap 918 stretches across the back surface panel. The securing strap may be used to hold the case against a back of a seat, for general handling of the case, or for securing the flap, for example over the front cover panel. In some embodiments a smooth material is along a middle of a length of the elastic securing strap, providing for increased ease in handling. In some embodiments the elastic securing strap includes small hooks, for example of nylon, along opposing outer facing ends of the straps, with a smooth material, for example leather, separating the outer facing ends. Accordingly, if the securing strap is brought forward to secure the flap over the front surface panel, the hooks of the securing strap may engage, at least partially, with the securing track, aiding in retention of the flap over the front surface panel.

A support member 912 b extends from the back panel. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the support member 912 b is largely planer, and with one edge pivotably connected to the back panel. An opposing free edge of the support member 912 b includes fasteners about its margins, with the fasteners arranged so as to engage the securing tracks of the flap. The support member has a length substantially equal to a distance from a bottom of the body of the case to the connection of the support member 912 b to the back panel. The free edge of the support surface 912 b therefore may be positioned against the support tracks anywhere along their length when the flap is positioned to the rear of the body of the case and the body of the case is appropriately tilted, as is illustrated in a variety of position in FIG. 11.

The support member 912 b is preferably relatively stiff so as to be able to support the body of the case and the electronic device, with the support member 912 b for example comprising a stiff sheet or sheets, preferably of plastic, which may be covered by leather for aesthetics. As shown in FIG. 9, the edge of the support member is pivotably connected substantially across a width of the body of the case, allowing the support member 912 b to provide stable support for the body of the case, and the electronic device therein, even in the event of user interaction with edges of a touchscreen of the electronic device.

The support member 912 b also includes a semi-circular cutout 930 in its free edge. The cutout effectively provides a handle for increased ease in positioning the free edge of the support member 912 b.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. 

1. A case for a tablet computer, comprising: a body formed of a back surface panel, a peripheral framing front surface panel defining an opening, and side panels connecting margins of the back surface panel and the front surface panel; a flap coupled by a pliable web to a bottom of the body, the flap being sized to generally cover the front surface panel, the flap moveable from a position covering the front surface panel to a position towards a rear of the body; and a supporting member pivotably connected to the back surface panel.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the flap includes opposing securing tracks on a side of the flap facing the back panel when the flap is positioned towards the rear of the body.
 3. The case of claim 2 wherein the supporting member includes fasteners about a distal edge, the fasteners positioned so as to be able to engage the securing tracks.
 4. The case of claim 3 wherein the supporting tracks comprise small loops and the fasteners comprise small hooks.
 5. The case of claim 1 wherein the supporting member comprises a rigid plastic.
 6. The case of claim 5 wherein the supporting member further comprises a leather covering for the rigid plastic.
 7. The case of claim 1 wherein the supporting member is substantially planar.
 8. The case of claim 7 wherein a distal edge of the supporting member includes a semicircular cutout.
 9. A case for an electronic device, comprising: a back surface panel; a peripheral-framing front surface panel: a plurality of side members connecting a periphery of the front surface panel to a periphery of the back surface panel; and at least two supporting members foldably attached to the back surface panel, a first supporting member attached to an edge of the back surface panel, a second supporting member attached to a midline of the back surface panel.
 10. The case of claim 9, further comprising: at least two securing tracks along two edges of an inner-facing surface of the first supporting member, the securing tracks perpendicularly-oriented relative to the foldable attachment of the first supporting member to the back surface panel; and at least two fasteners situated on opposing corners of the second supporting member, the fasteners configured to reversibly secure to any portion of the securing track.
 11. The case of claim 9, further comprising, at least two opposing strap members attached to the back surface panel.
 12. The case of claim 9, wherein the supporting members are substantially planar.
 13. The case of claim 9 wherein the back surface panel, the front surface panel, and the side members are comprised of leather.
 14. A case for a tablet computer, comprising: a body with front opening for providing access to a touchscreen of a tablet computer; a support member pivotably connected to a back of the body; and means, coupled about a bottom of the body, for covering the front opening and for providing a support surface for engaging the support member.
 15. The case of claim 14, further comprising: means, on the means for covering the front opening and for providing a support surface for engaging the support member, for securing position of the support member.
 16. The case of claim 15, wherein the support member comprises a rigid planar material.
 17. The case of claim 16, wherein the support member includes at least one fastener about a distal end of the support member. 